Sapa corner

Discovering a chestnut garden in Sapa

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Sapa corner

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Chestnuts are known as tasty and healthy nuts. Though I had eaten the nuts many times, I had always wished I could see chestnut trees with my own eyes. I didn’t think Sapa had this kind of tree until one day, I found a chestnut orchard by chance.

The chestnut orchard is on a hidden hill near the Traphaco Joint Stock Company in Sapa. It belongs to Ms. Dzung’s family.

In 1991, Ms. Dzung’s father planted some baby chestnut plants in his backyard. He wanted to know if the plants could grow well in Sapa’s temperate climate.

After more than 30 years, he now has ten large chestnut trees that bear nuts annually in September.

Every time I come to visit the garden, the Dzung family always welcomes me. They let me stroll around the orchard to gather fallen chestnuts. They even show me how to take off the spiky nutshells without hurting my hands. This family also shares with me their beautiful memories with the trees.

Finding out the chestnut garden right in Sapa is my big joy. I’m grateful to Ms. Dzung’s family for growing and nurturing the trees so that I can see how a chestnut tree looks like.

Wishing you a fresh day.

Cheers,

An An

Below are some photos of the chestnut orchard that I would like to share with you.

A row of tall chestnut trees in the garden. The average height of each tree is 15 meters.

The roots of a chestnut forming natural steps.
The upright and thick chestnut trunks with rough bark, sturdy branches, and lush leaves.
Toothed chestnut leaves change colour from green to yellow in autumn.
Prickly, green chestnut rinds look like unripe rambutans.
Chestnuts ripen when their outer shells turn brown, split, and fall to the ground-
from the trees.
Getting nuts out of the husks by using gardening gloves and hand rakes.
Shiny and reddish-brown seeds are ready to boil, roast, or can be added in some-
types of Vietnamese savoury soups.

3 thoughts on “Discovering a chestnut garden in Sapa”

  2. My pleasure, chị Hương.

    Glad you enjoyed those pictures. I guess the chestnut trees in the photos wanted to say hello to you.

    Thank you. Happy new week, chị.

    Em. An An

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  3. Speaking pictures.

    I have looked at your pictures over and over again but every time I looked at them, I was till surprised by the shape of the chestnut trees or the color of the chestnuts.

    Thank you, An An, for showing us what chestnut trees are.

    Have a nice day.

    C.Hương

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